1. Content and Subject Matter Experts in Online Interactions

2. Why Content & Experts? We don’t know all we need to know We want guidance We want something that is attractive and interesting to participants

3. The Role of Content Supports PURPOSE! Content provides starting points for conversations Content provides resources needed for online project work Unique local content attracts participant attention.

4. Selecting and Using Content in Online Interactions Materials read on the web should be succinct Longer pieces benefit from being broken up into smaller pieces Use sub-headings, bullets and images to quickly convey information Use descriptive titles, summaries and other tools to help people pick and use materials

5. Online Research Skills How to use Internet search engines Finding & evaluating quality materials Copyright and Fair Use

6. Developing Custom Content Translating materials (with permission and attribution) Creating new materials from participant information and conversations (summaries, etc.)

7. Keeping Content Organized In online spaces, create areas to organize documents and links Group similar materials together Ensure older versions are removed to avoid confusion Can put full materials on static web page Consider smaller sized file versions for download and offline use

8. “Cybraries” An “online” library for your online interaction Make sure you have permission to repost copyrighted materials Consider the role of “cybrarian” in your group

9. The Role of Experts Sometimes we need subject matter experts to learn about a topic or help us with our tasks and challenges. Experts can attract and hold participant attention. Sharing expertise between communities and organizations is good citizenship.

10. No Need for Experts? Sometimes more work than they are worth? Do they lessen the perceived expertise of other participants? Do they intimidate people? Do they have sufficient time and skills to be of value? Think twice before you invite!

11. Identifying Potential Experts Use your network Directories and local/national resource guides Recommendations from others

12. Recruiting Experts Be clear with expectations of experts Be clear on how you can and will support them Have a back up if an expert drops out

13. Preparing Experts Give written expectations of time commitments, dates, etc. Provide them a personal orientation to the online tools/space. Do a private practice if they are not experienced posting online.

14. Supporting Experts If they can’t log on to answer questions, call/visit and get the answer to post for the participants. Send reminders and summaries by phone or email (ask which they prefer). Thank them directly and publicly “in front” of the online participants. Recognize them in any follow up reports and materials. Send them a copy.

15. Coaching & Reviewing Experts Give constructive feedback - critical and praise Role model the behavior you seek Include expert’s participation in final evaluation Give summary of feedback to expert If it went well, invite them again